Initial Fragmentation Process of Aluminum-Alloy Plate by Hypervelocity Spherical-Projectile Impact
Fumikazu SAITO and Hideki TAMURA
Abstract:In order to characterize the dynamic fracture of Al plate caused by impact with a hypervelocity spherical Al projectile, experiments were performed using a mini two-stage light gas gun. Spherical Al-alloy projectiles with a diameter of 2.1 mm were accelerated to 3.5 km/s and allowed to impact with Al targets under normal impact conditions. The dynamic deformation and fragmentation of the target were observed using a high-speed digital framing camera. The digital images revealed local displacement (bulging) of the target surface, and fragmentation resulting from the large displacement was also observed. Additionally, it was found that the motion of the target fragments was strongly correlated with the bulge growth process. The sequence of dynamic processes from bulging to fragmentation is discussed. Key Words:Hypervelocity impact, Aluminum alloy, Dynamic deformation, Fragmentation